Charles Bell

Criminal Justice Professor

Beyond the Bars

Dr. Charles Bell is an assistant professor in the Criminal Justice Sciences department at Illinois State University. He is a recipient of the 2017 American Society of Criminology Ruth D. Peterson Fellowship and the Wayne State University Thomas C. Rumble Fellowship. His research and community engagement focus on exploring black student and parent perceptions of school discipline, identifying solutions to the school to prison pipeline, and leading prison reform.

Presentations from Facing Race 2018

Several studies show the United States is a world leader in mass incarceration and thousands of black men find themselves trapped in the prison pipeline. This forum highlights the experiences of black men who have navigated the prison pipeline. The panelists will discuss several factors that led them to prison, their experiences during their incarceration, and the challenges they encountered post-incarceration. Additionally, the audience and panelists will participate in a collaborate session to identify solutions to mass incarceration beginning with education and policy reform. By highlighting the experiences of returning citizens as well as solutions to the prison pipeline, our goal is to work with policymakers in an effort to reform our criminal justice system.